Month: January 2013

18067230 Watch Wyo. Gov. Matt Mead give his State of the State address.

Gov. Otter has put together a task force to help guide the future of education reform in Idaho, and a local teacher was named to the group. Teresa Jackman specializes in teaching students who’ve fallen behind, works at a charter school, and is a member of the Idaho Education Association. When it comes to support

BOYS BASKETBALL**Highland 70 Hillcrest 65 F **Bonneville 66 Idaho Falls 39 F Madison 64**Skyline 65 F **Rigby 59 Blackfoot 54 F/OT **Pocatello 58Century 55 F **Burley 53 Minico 51 F **Shelley 49Firth 45 F **Raft River 48 Hansen 31 F **Carey 49Shoshone 43 F GIRLS BASKETBALL**Firth 53 Aberdeen 29 F

In his State of the State address, Gov. C.L. “Butch” Otter talked about how employers in our state should be investing heavily in Idaho goods and services, highlighting one eastern Idaho businessman in particular. “Doug Sayer of Premier Technology in Blackfoot recently made a simple but profound change in the way he does business –

Democratic lawmakers are responding mostly positively to the State of the State address the governor gave Monday, saying something many thought they’d never hear. Still, they added some words of caution to his proposal to tackle personal property tax. “We have listened to Gov. Otter’s State of the State address and found much to like

It started with a simple idea — make a little boy’s wish come true. Just weeks after we introduced you to 7-year-old Tayt Andersen of Rigby, who’s waiting for a heart transplant, he got the surprise of a lifetime. Here’s how his “girlfriend” found a perfect way to share her love. ” Hi, Tayt. It’s

Kenny Carl Struhs of Blackfoot pleaded guilty Tuesday to a felony charge of vehicular manslaughter in connection with an incident last year that left another Blackfoot man dead. A second felony charge of leaving the scene of an accident resulting in an injury or death was dropped as part of the agreement. Struhs will appear

Idaho National Laboratory workers have been advised to keep an eye out for wolves. Two of the animals, one light in color, the other dark, were spotted outside a fence at the Advanced Test Reactor facility at around 2:30 p.m. Saturday. Idaho Fish and Game Department officials said they are neither surprised nor alarmed.Department spokesman

A southeastern Idaho man who pleaded guilty to embezzling $547,000 from his business partner and spending much of it on guns, ammunition and storable foods to be ready for a possible apocalypse has been sentenced to 12 years in prison. The Idaho State Journal reports that Darwin Knight was sentenced Monday in 6th District court

Two Idaho Falls men were arrested after police said they stole three large flat-screen televisions from Walmart. Police said 21-year-old Tyler M. Goodworth and 19-year-old William G. Graf IV also stole a printer and other electronic devices from the store at 500 S. Utah Ave. in Idaho Falls. Walmart notified police on Saturday regarding two

Officers are still looking for the person of interest in the shooting, which occurred early Sunday morning at the Shilo Inn. Officers responded to the hotel at 780 Lindsay Blvd. at 1 a.m in response to shots being fired. When they arrived, police found Justin Mangum, 35, had been shot several times. He was transported

In his State of the State address on Monday, Governor Butch Otter said he supports a Department of Corrections request for $70 million to fund a mental health hospital at the Idaho State Penitentiary complex south of Boise. “More than a quarter of the inmates in our prison system have some level of mental illness,”

Nuclear Care Partners opened its doors today. It’s the Department of Labor approved provider for in-home nursing services to former Department of Energy workers who became ill as a result of working in the atomic weapons industry. “Our population is a little specific because they were former Department of Energy workers whereas other agencies would

Holiday ski business hit unprecedented levels at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort this Christmas. The resort said it experienced record breaking skier day numbers for the month of December. And, driven by children’s programs, guided skiing and private lessons, Mountain Sports School had its best holiday period ever. JHMR President Jerry Blann said, “The new Casper

The wiring to or in a first floor ceiling fan was the probable cause of a fire in a home at 23 N. 3300 East just north of County Line Road in Jefferson County at around 4:20 p.m. Sunday. Jefferson Central Fire Chief Jim Deuel said it appeared the fire ran through open spaces between

A fire shut down an Idaho Falls business for at least a day. A spokesperson for Bish’s RV said a small fire broke out in the service department Sunday morning. A bathroom, several service bays and a few trailers were damaged. There was intense smoke damage to the rest of the building. No one was

An Idaho Falls man was arrested Saturday after police said he nearly crashed into a car, then beat up a teenager. Idaho Falls police responded to the intersection of Santalema and Atlantic around 8:45 p.m. after receiving several calls of a man, later identified as Kenneth Weibl, 54, beating up a teenager. Witnesses said the

There’s a new Idaho Falls church where cowboy boots and Stetson hats are far more common than shirts and ties. “He spent his time with the common folks, with the shepherds,” said pastor Dave Kite, speaking about Jesus Christ. Kite is the pastor of the Idaho Falls Cowboy Church. The 2:30 p.m. service on Sunday

While all of the snow and ice on the roads might not stop us from going to work, it could very well stop us from getting our mail. There are some hazards involved in getting those important parcels to your doorstep. “I’ve been a carrier for about 29 years,” says Postal Carrier John Skeldon. “Most

A new report shows that 1 in 24 U.S. adults admit to nodding off behind the wheel. It’s called “drowsy driving” and researchers behind the study said they think that number could actually be even higher. “Hopefully they’re going off the right shoulder and they’re only endangering themselves,” said Cpl. Peter Sibus with Idaho State

BOYS SCORES**MADISON 54RIGBY 51 F **HILLCREST 65IDAHO FALLS 47 F BONNEVILLE 56**CENTURY 58 F **SKYLINE 51BLACKFOOT 48 F TWIN FALLS 38**HIGHLAND 55 F **RIRIE 37FIRTH 29 F **NORTH FREMONT 67SHO-BAN 42 F AMERICAN FALLS 46**KIMBERLY 62 F **MACKAY 53ROCKLAND 44 F **BUTTE COUNTY 68CAREY 49 F NORTH GEM 44**RAFT RIVER 55 F **JACKSON HOLE 49PINEDALE,

With the new year the gate city is getting some new leadership for its fire department. On Thursday Dave Gates started his job as Pocatello’s new fire chief. Since the old chief left earlier this year, Gates has filled in as interim chief. So, when he walked into the fire station for his first official

The Idaho Public Charter School Commission gave Odyssey Charter approval to move forward with development after being rejected on Monday. The mission for Odyssey Charter School is to provide a hands-on, active and personal education. Co-founder, Carl Peterson, a former teacher and father of eight, wanted to offer a choice to parents when it comes

Idaho Republican Sen. Mike Crapo has released an apologetic statement after pleading guilty to a misdemeanor first-offense drunken driving charge in a Virginia court. “I offer my apologies, ask for your forgiveness for my recent failings and I make a firm commitment that I will strive to regain the trust that I have lost,” Crapo

Idaho Republican Sen. Mike Crapo has released an apologetic statement after pleading guilty to a misdemeanor first-offense drunken driving charge in a Virginia court. “I offer my apologies, ask for your forgiveness for my recent failings and I make a firm commitment that I will strive to regain the trust that I have lost,” Crapo

Idaho Republican Sen. Mike Crapo has released an apologetic statement after pleading guilty to a misdemeanor first-offense drunken driving charge in a Virginia court. “I offer my apologies, ask for your forgiveness for my recent failings and I make a firm commitment that I will strive to regain the trust that I have lost,” Crapo

Idaho Republican Sen. Mike Crapo has released an apologetic statement after pleading guilty to a misdemeanor first-offense drunken driving charge in a Virginia court. “I offer my apologies, ask for your forgiveness for my recent failings and I make a firm commitment that I will strive to regain the trust that I have lost,” Crapo

Idaho Republican Sen. Mike Crapo has released an apologetic statement after pleading guilty to a misdemeanor first-offense drunken driving charge in a Virginia court. “I offer my apologies, ask for your forgiveness for my recent failings and I make a firm commitment that I will strive to regain the trust that I have lost,” Crapo

Idaho Republican Sen. Mike Crapo has released an apologetic statement after pleading guilty to a misdemeanor first-offense drunken driving charge in a Virginia court. “I offer my apologies, ask for your forgiveness for my recent failings and I make a firm commitment that I will strive to regain the trust that I have lost,” Crapo

Idaho Republican Sen. Mike Crapo has released an apologetic statement after pleading guilty to a misdemeanor first-offense drunken driving charge in a Virginia court. “I offer my apologies, ask for your forgiveness for my recent failings and I make a firm commitment that I will strive to regain the trust that I have lost,” Crapo

Idaho Republican Sen. Mike Crapo has released an apologetic statement after pleading guilty to a misdemeanor first-offense drunken driving charge in a Virginia court. “I offer my apologies, ask for your forgiveness for my recent failings and I make a firm commitment that I will strive to regain the trust that I have lost,” Crapo

It’s been an early outbreak for the influenza virus and doctors are saying a possible new strain of the flu is circulating. State health workers have now reported four additional deaths in the state from flu-related complications. This leaves many wondering why this flu season is so severe. There hasn’t been a flu outbreak this

A huge trailer is parked in the Hell’s Half Acre Rest Area on Interstate 15 between Idaho Falls and Blackfoot Idaho State Police say the trailer, owned by a Texas company, was ordered to stop there because it is too large for the highway. The trailer contains an oil rig has been there for a

Chubbuck police are looking for a man with an outstanding arrest warrant for failure to appear on an earlier charge of misdemeanor “encouraging juvenile violations”. Police believe Matthew Shane Sierra, 27, is with a 17-year-old Chubbuck girl. She was last seen by her family Dec. 26, 2012. They said a domestic violence order is in

Six eastern Idaho communities will receive a share of almost $163,000 in 2012 awards from the Idaho Heritage Trust. Established in 1989 by the Idaho Centennial Commission, the trust is funded by the commission’s copyright on the red, white and blue Idaho license plate design.Those funds go into a permanent endowment fund to support the

Gov. C.L. “Butch” Otter is enlisting the help of Idaho’s top cop to analyze the state of security in the Gem State’s public schools. Retiring Idaho State Police Director Col. Jerry Russell has agreed to work with the Idaho Department of Education, local law enforcement and school leaders to assess and recommend possible safety and

On Thursday night, Blackfoot School District 55 board members voted to ask patrons for nearly $2 million in an upcoming levy election. The vote comes only weeks after the board admitted to keeping secret a $220,000 payout to former Superintendent Scott Crane. The finance committee tasked with recommending the need for the $1,975,000 levy made

On Thursday night, Blackfoot School District #55 board members voted to ask patrons for nearly $2 million in an upcoming levy election. The vote comes only weeks after the board admitted to keeping secret a $220,000 payout to former superintendent Scott Crane. The finance committee tasked with recommending the need for the $1,975,000 levy made

BOYS BASKETBALLTeton 43**Firth 58 F North Fremont 32**Sugar-Salem 60 F Soda Springs 44**Malad 48 F GIRLS BASKETBALLIdaho Falls 37**Bonneville 41 F **Madison 60 Rigby 44 F Bear Lake 28**Snake River 57 F **Marsh Valley 61 American Falls 41 F **Mackay 62 North Gem 40 F

Big interstate upgrades could be coming to the Pocatello and Chubbuck area. On Thursday the Idaho Transportation Department presented an interstate improvement plan to the public and asked for feedback. ITD said the Pocatello and Chubbuck area is growing, and it’s already apparent there’s a heavy amount of traffic that can clog up some major

“The Financial Condition of Idaho Agriculture” annual report was releasedThursday and for the third consecutive year, Idaho Agriculture broke cash receipt and net income records. As the economy struggles to come back, the agriculture industry was the bright spot in Idaho’s overall state economy. The report’s co-author, Paul Patterson, said the record year was unexpected.

Several schools across eastern Idaho were closed Thursday after temperatures dropped below zero. Grace, North Gem and West Jefferson School Districts canceled class, but what happens to those still in school despite the cold? Mountain Valley Elementary Principal, Brian Armes, said if the temperature outside drops below zero, his kids stay inside for recess and

A Blackfoot man was hospitalized around 9:30 a.m. Thursday after a two car crash at milepost 297 on U.S. Highway 26 near Blackfoot. Idaho State Police said 52-year-old Mark Bynum was attempting a left hand turn from a private residence onto the highway in his 2001 Dodge Ram 1500.His pickup was struck on the driver’s

Several emergency agencies joined forces to rescue a Utah snowmobiler from the Island Park backcountry Wednesday night. The woman was hurt in a snowmobile accident on Jefferson Mountain west of Island Park at around 4:20 pm Wednesday. An Island Park ambulance joined Fremont County Sheriff’s deputies, Search and Rescue volunteers and an Eastern Idaho Regional

One word describes our weather: frigid. And the extreme cold is expected to continue over the next few days in eastern Idaho and western Wyoming. So how do you prepare for below zero temperatures? The cold weather affects your car, your pets and how you dress. At Majestic Auto Body in Ammon, General Manager Chad

BOYS SCORES Century 66**Hillcrest 83 F Idaho Falls 34**Shelley 64 F Skyline 63**Rigby 77 F Blackfoot 47**Madison 50 F/OT

Pocatello is going a little more green and saving locals a little hassle with a new pilot program for curbside composting. After starting up the citywide recycling program about two years ago those in charge of the city’s sanitation department say it’s been a real success. But they still find plenty of unrecyclables in the

Solar energy panel owners in eastern Idaho received a letter in the mail this past month stating they could possibly start to see some changes to their energy bills come October. Idaho Power announced its plan to put a halt on paying solar panel owners who generate more power than they use each month. Instead

So while many are relieved Congress resolved the fiscal cliff, that sentiment could turn south once you get your paycheck. The nation is off the fiscal cliff, but we’ll still feel the impact. The bottom line is tax rates are not going up for everyone under the fiscal cliff agreement, but paychecks will be smaller

An environmental group is buying back thousands of acres of oil leases in Wyoming. The Trust for Public Land successfully raised the $8.75 million dollars needed to buy 58,000 acres of the Upper Hoback Casin from the Plains Exploration and Production Company. The trust had until the final week of 2012 to raise the money,

Engineers are working to make the Teton Pass a little safer for drivers. The Wyoming Department of Transportation will be adding two arrester systems to the east side of the pass, near Wilson. An arrester is a series of nets that catch runaway trucks. They’ll be installed on the right side of the road, which

Pocatello police said a couple were counterfeiting money. Officers received a tip Monday night that Samantha Kukkonen-Peterson of Pocatello, 19, and her boyfriend, Richard Hart of Las Vegas, were making fake $100 bills. Police went to a home on the 400 block of Garfield, where they found a printer and other evidence that counterfeiting was

An area hospital is now out of county control. As of Jan. 1, Teton Valley Hospital in Driggs is a nonprofit, which means it’s a separate entity from Teton County. There will be no changes in the way patients receive care or how they pay for it. “Our budget’s around $17 million. The county budget

Abby, Jerry, Christine, Andrea and Tammy are delightful siblings who need the opportunity to grow up together. Their caseworker exclaims, “These kids are fabulous! I’ve spent a lot of time with them and they always keep me laughing. When I am with them, I can’t wipe the smile off my face. I think a family

A former Idaho Falls man is a $125,000 Idaho lottery winner. Travis Hathaway and his wife, Danielle, moved to Ohio a few years ago, but while visiting Idaho Falls New Year’s Eve, Hathaway bought a $125,000 Diamonds and Pearls scratch ticket for $10. He bought the ticket at the Maverik convenience store at 145 S.

Kids at Wapello Elementary School are getting an extended vacation after school was canceled Wednesday due to a power outage. According to Idaho Power, 852 people were without power as of 7:25 a.m. Power was restored to that area of Blackfoot around 9 a.m. Idaho Power Company said the cause of the outage was a

Pocatello police are trying to find a 15-year-old girl who hasn’t been seen since Sunday. Keziah Catrina Ullery was last seen running away from the MK Place group home with a 17-year-old boy. She is described as 5 feet 4 inches tall and about 150 pounds. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Pocatello

Police released more information on the Jackson bank robber’s vehicle on Tuesday. The vehicle believed to be used by the suspect after Monday’s incident at Jackson’s US Bank is a 2007 to 2009 Toyota Tundra Crew Max with a slate metallic color and the SRS trim package. It has aftermarket rims, chrome Nerf bars and

The Idaho Falls Police Department is investigating a robbery that happened early Tuesday morning at the Maverik on West Broadway. According to reports, the suspect entered the store at 2625 W. Broadway, around 2:05 a.m. He threatened the female clerk with a handgun and demanded money. The suspect left with an undisclosed amount of cash.

For Main Street Buzz, we go to the land of party preparation. Zurchers party supply store in Idaho Falls said it was seeing a big rush Monday, with lots of folks looking for noise makers and 2013-themed stuff. The biggest items on most shoppers lists seem to be of the airborne variety. “Helium balloons, because

With fires, elections, spiders and more, what a year 2012 has been! Attached to this story in the full-site version is the entire Newsline special of the Year in Review in which we take a look at the most important stories of 2012. (Users of the Local News 8 app can find it under the

The cold weather, slick roads and one of the biggest nights to celebrate can be a dangerous combination. “You know, our biggest concerns are basically people that are going out having a little bit too much to drink and not getting a ride home,” said Sgt. Jeff Edwards with the Bonneville Sheriff’s Office. The Bonneville